U.S. predicts peaceful elections in Indonesia
U.S. predicts peaceful elections in Indonesia
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The United States had confidence this year's elections in
Indonesia would run as safely, freely and fairly as the previous
polls in 1999, Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce said this week.
"Everybody saw what happened in 1999 and that is a good
experience to build from," Boyce said after the state of union
address from President George W. Bush aired live from Washington
on Wednesday.
Like the U.S., which would also hold a presidential poll this
year, Indonesia would pass its landmark direct elections with
flying colors, he said.
"I have every confidence the Indonesian people will be able to
stage an election that is free, fair and peaceful."
Boyce said the existing travel warning to U.S. citizens coming
to Indonesia would not stop Americans traveling here during the
elections.
"It is not a ban... Americans are coming in and out of
Indonesia all the time," Boyce said.
Military leaders here have warned of the possibility of chaos
before and during the elections and have vowed to deploy troops
if events turned bloody.
Politicians and analysts have dismissed the warning with some
accusing the military of meddling with political affairs, an act
which was against the national consensus to end the military's
political influence.
"During (the) 2004 (elections), the situation will remain
stable as civil society has grown strong," Arief Budiman, a
staunch critic of former dictator Soeharto, told a seminar this
week.
Boyce said Indonesia's democratization was one of the success
stories of the new millennium. There was no reason to doubt the
ongoing preparations for the elections, he said.
He admitted in some countries the transition period to
democracy had led them back to the old dictatorial style but he
was certain Indonesia was not in that category.
Boyce expected to see U.S. observers join with international
volunteers to watch over all stages of the elections.
"We welcome the open invitation from the Indonesian government
to allow in international observers. I am sure the U.S. will be
an active participant."
There will be 24 political parties contesting the elections,
half the number of parties which took part in the 1999 polls.
The election of legislative members will take place on April
5, while the first round of presidential elections will be held
on July 5, with a run-off scheduled for Sept. 20.